Real-Time Implementation of a General Model for Spatial Processing of Sounds

In 1982, one of the authors proposed a general model for spatial processing of sounds and included a partial implementation of it in the cmusic sound synthesis program[7]. This model is designed to simulate the most perceptible physical characteristics of a real or imaginary space relating to the localization of sound sources. The original model defines the acoustic space in two dimensions as an outer closed space (the illusory acoustic space) and an inner listening room (the intended performance space) with "openings" along its perimeter in the location of the speakers. The spatial impression is produced by simulating the direct radiation, early echoes, and global reverberation of a sound source as heard through each opening. This paper discusses our modifications of the original cmusic implementation: first, the algorithm runs in real-time, and second, we made additions that more satisfactorily realize the general model. Our implementations of the algorithm in Pd and Max/MSP are presented.